From Clinics to Culture: Pioneering Wellness in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Release Date: 06/25/2025
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Creating the Next Generation of Wellness Hotels
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info_outlineThis compelling episode of StarrCast comes to you live from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where host Lisa Starr sits down with the dynamic Dr. Ebtissam AlMadi, co-owner of the Kadoon family of businesses, wellness visionary, and cultural bridge-builder. Together, they explore the remarkable evolution of spa and wellness in the Kingdom—from the first medical spa in 2003 to the creation of the Kadoon integrated ecosystem including a spa, beauty school, and wellness product distributorship.
Dr. AlMadi shares her personal journey from dentistry to becoming a national leader in wellness, highlighting how global standards are being harmonized with Saudi cultural values. The episode dives deep into the rapid transformation of wellness education, the role of local traditions in spa treatments, and the emergence of Saudi Arabia as a world-class wellness destination.
Guest Highlights
- Dr. Ebtissam AlMadi: Co-founder of Kadoon Companies; wellness entrepreneur; trained dentist and university professor.
- Visionary behind Saudi Arabia's first medical spa and the country's only licensed beauty and wellness training institute under technical and vocational education authority.
- Catalyst for creating the Saudi Wellness Association, connecting global thought leaders with local policymakers and health authorities.
Key Takeaways
- Integrating Eastern and Western Values: Dr. AlMadi’s unique upbringing and professional background allow her to blend international spa trends with deep respect for Saudi traditions.
- Educational Evolution: Kadoon Academy provides formal training and certification, creating a pipeline for local spa professionals—a critical step as global hotel brands expand in the Kingdom.
- Cultural Adaptation & Innovation: From hijab-friendly scalp care to heritage-inspired treatments using quartz and sand beds, local needs are redefining spa experiences.
- Wellness as National Strategy: Wellness tourism is rising fast, especially within mega-projects like Neom and Red Sea Global. Regulatory bodies are updating rapidly to support innovation.
- Staffing Solutions: With challenges in recruiting trained staff, the academy helps “grow local talent,” focusing on long-term workforce sustainability.
- Vision for the Future: Saudi Arabia’s diverse geography and heritage are being leveraged for holistic, high-impact wellness tourism offerings.